Adam rose

I first joined the Black Lion Swim Club in 2019 as an academy swimmer. Covid hit and halted swimming for all non squad swimmers and when restrictions were lifted I resumed swimming in the academy in stage 5, swam through the remaining stages (including cubs), before entering the bronze squad in 2022. For all that time, I had one goal, and that was to become a squad swimmer with my friends. I put the work in, trained hard and each time I moved up and achieved my goal… my friends moved up to the squad above! So the chase started again. I found this frustrating, but it is how I learned to persevere. During this time, I made lots of friends in the squads I was in. We pushed each-other on and improved together over time. Now, I’m in the top squad - SD1.

I feel that I deserve to be Club Captain.  As mentioned above, I have swam through the ranks, listened to my Coaches and taken on their advice. I may not be the fastest of our swimmers, but I am dedicated to the Black Lion; I have good attendance, I’m punctual, and train hard every session. I'm good with the younger children and my peers and encourage them to try their best when I see them at galas.

If I was selected as Club Captain I would act as a mentor to the younger and less experienced swimmers. I’d do this through supporting their training sessions with the idea of being able to support coaching poolside on a Saturday (as I have done in the past when completing my Duke of Edinburgh award) and potentially with the academy swimmers on a Sunday if my schedule allows. I’d support swimmers at galas having experienced early nerves firsthand. I still remember one of my first races when I fell in early off the blocks! It was nice to have a senior swimmer tell me that it was ok and pat me on the back- I believe these small things go a long way towards making people feel valued and part of the team. 

My intention is to be one of the best Club Captain’s to date alongside my partner of course. I’d like us to work together to try to give back to the club, potentially organise a fund raiser or host spring/summer events for swimmers, not just the Christmas splash night.  We could try to raise money for any new equipment we need, or simply put the time in to organise swim club social events.

Given the opportunity, I know I can bring a lot to this role. The Black Lion has played a big part in shaping me, not just as a swimmer, but into the person that I have become so far and I am grateful for the brilliant friends I’ve made, and opportunities I’ve been given (Tenerife!!)  I will lead by example, at training and in Galas - with absolutely no slacking!